Myrtle Beach is an easy trip for Virginia golfers looking to get away .
room amenities at Sea Pines are currently unavailable and all golf lessons are private , other than family clinics with a maximum of three individuals allowed .
“ We ask that players bring their own golf balls to chip and putt with in the practice areas ,” said Ben Bridgers , director of golf and club manager at Pinehurst Country Club .
“ Flags are also to remain in the holes on all courses while putting and the PVC ring in the cups provide easy access ,” Bridgers added . “ In addition , we have taken out the bunker rakes , so please use your foot to smooth the bunker sand .”
While golf rounds are up , travel is down nationwide . The NGF ’ s Golf Datatech reports that 76 percent of all golf travelers say they are willing to drive more than four hours each way to play golf and are willing to spend between six and seven hours in the car to reach a golf destination .
According to their data , an NGF map shows that more than six million golfers live within a 500-mile radius of popular golf destination Myrtle Beach , S . C . So , while most golfers planning trips may be caravanning down I-95 instead of heading to airports , resorts are ready for play and golfers are willing to hit the highways .
For certain , the task of creating a welcoming environment for golf travelers , while also maintaining safety standards for guests , as well as resort and golf course employees , has been both challenging and necessary in 2020 .
Jay Karen , CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association ( NGCOA ) urges golfers to do their homework as they plan trips this winter to specifically examine the guidelines of the state in which they plan to visit .
“ You won ’ t be disappointed if you are informed ,” he said .
“ Every business owner is trying to do their best to accommodate high demand with a global pandemic as a backdrop ,” added Karen . “ It ’ s important to have patience and grace when it comes to how standards may be different from course to course . One course may be incredibly strict and one course may not be .”
“ But just roll with it . If you do that , you ’ ll enjoy a successful golf trip .”
5 TIPS FOR GOLF TRAVELERS
NGCOA CEO JAY KAREN OFFERS SOME KEY TIPS in planning golf travel during the pandemic , as Covid-19 restrictions could stretch into next year :
1 . BOOK EARLY — Just because travel is down and rooms at many resorts are available , tee times are in demand . Move up your booking calendar more than you have in the past to get the dates you want .
2 . CONSIDER GOLF CARS — There is high demand for golfers wanting to take golf cars by themselves . Be sure to make sure the course can accommodate the number of golf cars needed for your group when you book your tee time .
3 . BRING WATER — Keep in mind that on-course watering stations may be shut down , so bring a refillable water bottle for use during your round .
4 . INQUIRE ABOUT DINING — Check with the course where you will be playing to see what the dining options are . Some courses have closed indoor dining .
5 . WEAR A MASK INDOORS — Most resorts are requiring masks and social distancing indoors . Even if there is no city ordinance , the golf facility may require masks . Have one in your pocket just in case they are not provided .
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